ASHAR ZAIDI could not have done much more to bolster Maghull's promotion charge in the Liverpool Competition first division.

ASHAR ZAIDI could not have done much more to bolster Maghull's promotion charge in the Liverpool Competition first division.

The Pakistan under-19 player hit his maiden Competition century against Caldy and then took five wickets.

But his efforts came to nought as the Wirral side negotiated a draw which cost Maghull their place in the top two.

Maghull opened with a stand worth 175 between skipper Dickon White (61) and Zaidi (105) that enabled a declaration at 183-4. Spinner Zaidi then sent back five batsmen for 51. But Neil Perry (44) and Chris Ruddock (33) saw the Wirral side to the safety of 156-7.

Newton le Willows were the chief beneficiaries of Maghull's draw.

Mike Walkden's side climbed above Maghull into the second promotion spot with an impressive victory over Hightown. Gareth Finney was at his destructive best with a return of 8-44 that left the visitors reeling as they crashed to a six wickets defeat.

New Zealander James Marshall, closing in on the magical 1,000 runs mark for Formby, came up trumps against Bolton - but this time with the ball.

He took 7-45 to send the home team slumping to 130 all out and set up a three wicket win.

Leaders Liverpool were frustrated against Fleetwood Hesketh where rain stopped them closing in on the visitors' all out total of 142, which featured 79 from Neil Parlane. The rest of the batting struggled against Sajid Shah, with 5-36 in 16.1 overs, and evergreen Geoff Blackburn, with 4-37.

The home team were 104-5 in reply with skipper Jamie Haines unbeaten on 52.

Andy Ford filled in for the absent Gary Morrison behind the stumps against Southport and landed five catches as the home team were sent back for just 115. Stephen Garvey bagged 6-52. Stuart Lyon then hit 36 and Paul Ford 31 not out in a four wicket win.

St Helens won a thriller against Highfield by just one run with six balls to spare.